In a heartbreaking testimony during her son's murder trial, a Colorado mother recounted the events leading up to the tragic shooting at a supermarket in Boulder. The mother, Khadija Ahidid, described her son, Ahmad Alissa, as being sick with schizophrenia at the time of the shooting.
Ahidid shared that Alissa had been exhibiting concerning behavior since 2019, including paranoia about being followed by the FBI and isolating himself from the family. His mental health deteriorated further after contracting Covid and he stopped taking care of himself, according to his mother.
Following the shooting, Alissa's family revealed that he had been displaying odd behaviors, such as breaking a car key fob and covering a laptop camera, believing he was being tracked. Some family members even speculated that he might be possessed by an evil spirit.
Despite his mental health struggles, Alissa has pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity in the shooting. The defense argues that he was legally insane at the time and unable to distinguish right from wrong.
Prosecutors and forensic psychologists, however, maintain that Alissa was aware of his actions and the consequences. They point to his planning and preparation for the attack as evidence that he understood the gravity of his actions.
During the trial, Alissa appeared somber as his mother testified, recounting their last interactions before the shooting. Ahidid revealed that she was unaware of the contents of a package Alissa brought home, which later turned out to be a rifle used in the shooting.
Despite the tragic events, Ahidid expressed her disbelief and sorrow, emphasizing that she had no knowledge of her son's intentions that day. The trial continues as both sides present their arguments regarding Alissa's mental state at the time of the shooting.
